The suspended prone plank and the suspended roll-out plank provided the greatest upper rectus abdominis activity. The greatest lower rectus abdominis activity was induced by the suspended roll-out plank. The highest lumbar erector spinae activity was provided by the suspended and stable lateral planks. The suspended prone plank and the suspended roll-out plank provided the greatest external oblique activity, although not significantly different from the suspended lateral plank.

Conclusions

Muscle activity could be progressed using the different exercises. Although suspended prone plank and the suspended roll-out plank were most efficient for the abdominal muscles, suspended and stable lateral planks were most efficient for the lumbar muscles.